to further inquiry about the Metlakahtla man's crime, and to the arrest
of both himself and his chief. The four Indians thus in custody made
severally a full confession of both crimes to Mr. Duncan and the other
magistrate, and they were sent to Victoria for trial. They were found
guilty, and, on being called upon to reply, made most affecting
speeches in court, acknowledging the sin, and their just liability to
punishment. Sentence of death was ordered to be recorded, but on the
recommendation of the judges, it was commuted to five years'
imprisonment (not confinement) at Metlakahtla.

"So," wrote Mr. Duncan six months afterwards, "they are now with us,
and all behaving very well. The proud chief has become very docile and
happy, and he and all declare it their intention to remain at
Metlakahtla till death. Several of the foremost Christians make it
their duty occasionally to visit them, and instruct and encourage them.
Thus can God bring good out of evil."

The charge of the Chief Justice, Sir Matthew Begbie, at this trial is
a most remarkable document, and must be printed here _in extenso_.
Had the white man always treated the red man in such a spirit, what
results might we not have seen. [Footnote: Admiral Prevost writes to us
respecting another judge in the colony--'Some time ago a right minded
judge, beloved and respected, both by Indians and white men, had to
settle a dispute between two persons--as to the equal division of some
land. In the presence of both he selected one to go and measure the
land, so as to divide it into two equal portions, at the same time
telling him (the one sent) the other would have the first choice when
he had made the division Of course, the division was made as fairly as
it could be.']